As 2024 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on some of the most memorable moments in Indian and global sports. For Indian fans, the win in the T20 World Cup stands out as the crowning glory. Adding to the nostalgia, the retirements of legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from T20Is became major talking points. However, neither Rohit nor Virat featured among the year’s most-searched athletes on Google. Surprisingly, the list includes two Indian cricketers: Hardik Pandya and one more uncapped Indian cricketer and both of them are more searched than this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, Rodri globally.
Hardik Pandya: India’s World Cup Star
Hardik Pandya, the flamboyant all-rounder and a crucial player in India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad, was the only player from the team to make it to Google’s top 10 most-searched athletes worldwide. Known for his explosive performances on the field, Hardik’s popularity skyrocketed after his heroics during the tournament, making his place as a fan favourite globally.
Shashank Singh’s surprise entry
The second Indian name on the list is Shashank Singh, an uncapped batter who plays for Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shashank’s inclusion in the top 10 was unexpected, given his limited visibility during the two-month-long IPL season.
The buzz around Shashank stemmed from the IPL 2024 auction, where Punjab Kings reportedly acquired him by mistake, confusing him with another player of the same name. This curious incident turned Shashank into an overnight internet sensation, sparking widespread searches about the young cricketer.
Global athletes lead the search rankings
While Indians shone brightly, the top spot on Google’s most-searched list went to Algerian boxer Imane Khelif. Her dramatic journey at the Paris Olympics, where she triumphed amid a gender controversy to win a gold medal, kept her in the headlines throughout the year.
Legendary boxer Mike Tyson secured the second position, following his much-publicised bout with Jake Paul. Rising Barcelona and Spain football star Lamine Yamal rounded out the top three, showcasing his immense potential at just 16 years old.
Top 10 most-searched athletes in 2024
- Imane Khelif
- Mike Tyson
- Lamine Yamal
- Simone Biles
- Jake Paul
- Nico Williams
- Hardik Pandya
- Scottie Scheffler
- Shashank Singh
- Rodri
